Friendship Manor in Salt Lake City, UT

Pros

• The place is wonderful, with friendly, sociable, and comfortable surroundings.
• It offers wonderful living accommodations and an excellent dining experience.
• It has a basement store, a laundry, and a convenient location.
• A sister says it is very nice and would consider living there if she were older or disabled.

Cons

• The management is a bit shady.
• The dining room is a rip-off.
• Residents pay a lot for very little.
• The maintenance staff are rude.

Review

Friendship Manor in Salt Lake City is best suited for older adults who want a sociable, comfortable living environment with practical on-site conveniences and a sense of community. Reviews repeatedly describe a friendly, neighborly atmosphere and comfortable accommodations, with several residents noting they would choose this community if they were older or needed some assistance. The on-site store, laundry, and convenient location add real daily value, helping residents manage errands without constant travel. This is a setting where social interaction and everyday practicality trump the newest amenities.

That said, this is not a one-note recommendation. For families prioritizing transparent management and predictable value, reconsideration is wise. One reviewer warns about shady management, and another calls the dining room a "rip-off" - expensive for what is received. The building's aging condition and reports of rude maintenance staff further muddy the picture. These concerns can erode peace of mind for families seeking straightforward administration and honest pricing, making alternatives with clearer governance and stronger customer service worth a look.

On the plus side, the strongest draws are a lively, sociable environment and genuinely comfortable living spaces. The community earns praise for its friendly culture and the way residents connect, which helps individuals feel at home quickly. Dining is highlighted positively in at least one account, and the practical amenities - the basement store and on-site laundry - along with proximity to services, translate into meaningful daily conveniences. For residents who value companionship as a core benefit, these elements often justify the trade-offs.

Yet the drawbacks carry weight. The aging facility and the reported rude maintenance stance raise legitimate concerns about ongoing upkeep and respect in service interactions. Perceptions of management as shady intersect with questions about value and pricing in dining, creating a sense that some costs may not be fully justified. If reliability, transparent billing, and timely maintenance are non-negotiable, these issues become decisive factors against staying long term.

This community best fits those who prioritize a warm, connected living experience and can tolerate some aging infrastructure and potential tensions around cost and governance. It may be less suitable for families seeking pristine facilities, aggressive care models, or exceptionally transparent pricing. Prospective residents who crave social opportunities, convenient on-site amenities, and a sense of belonging may find the compromises worthwhile, while those seeking ultra-modern facilities and consistently predictable service will likely want to evaluate alternatives more closely.

Practical decision steps should follow: arrange a tour focused on the dining area, kitchen, and common spaces; request a detailed breakdown of what the monthly rate covers and whether dining is included or billed separately; probe maintenance response times and current leadership approach; verify admissions policies, especially in light of the felon-friendly history noted by a reviewer; talk to current residents about day-to-day experiences; and compare nearby options with newer facilities, tighter governance, and clearer pricing. If these checks align with the resident's priorities, Friendship Manor can be a strong fit; if not, pursue alternatives that deliver greater transparency, more modern amenities, and steadier management.

This area of Salt Lake City, Utah offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities that would be appealing for senior living. With several hospitals in close proximity, including the George E Wahlen VA Hospital and Primary Children's Hospital, residents have access to quality healthcare services. There are also numerous parks nearby, such as Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are several reputable physicians' offices and pharmacies in the area, ensuring easy access to medical care. For leisure activities, there are quaint cafes like Coffee Garden and restaurants like Cafe Niche for dining out. Places of worship like the Cathedral of the Madeleine offer spiritual fulfillment, while theaters such as Imax Theatre Clark Planetarium provide entertainment options. Public transportation options like UTA FrontRunner North Temple Station make it easy to get around the city without a car. Overall, this neighborhood is well-equipped with amenities that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Salt Lake City.

Hospitals

• George E Wahlen VA Hospital (0.6 miles)
• United States Government (0.7 miles)
• Moran Patient Support (1.1 miles)
• Primary Children's Hospital (1.2 miles)
• University Of Utah ENT Clinic 9 (1.2 miles)
• University of Utah Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Clinical Neurosciences Center - UUHC (1.4 miles)

Parks

• Liberty Park (0.7 miles)
• Reservoir Park (0.7 miles)
• Sunnyside Park (0.7 miles)
• Bonneville Glen (0.9 miles)
• Popperton Park (1.4 miles)
• Washington Square (1.8 miles)
• Sugar House Park (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Barr Facial Plastic Surgery: Lucy J Barr MD PC (0.8 miles)
• Barr Facial Plastic Surgery (0.8 miles)
• Kroencke, Rachel Dr - Madsen Internal Medicine Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Ear Nose & Throat Center (1 miles)
• University Orthopaedic Center (1 miles)
• Pettey, Jeff H, Md - Moran Eye Center University (1.1 miles)
• House Call Doctors (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• Coffee Garden (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Salt Lake Coffee Break (1.3 miles)
• Publik Coffee Roasters (1.5 miles)
• Java Jo's (1.6 miles)
• Three Pines Coffee (2 miles)
• Publik Coffee Roasters (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Cafe Niche (0.9 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.9 miles)
• Hub & Spoke Diner (1.2 miles)
• Greek Souvlaki (1.4 miles)
• Amour Café (1.7 miles)
• Sushi Burrito (1.8 miles)
• Beer Bar (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Watson Pharmaceuticals (1.5 miles)
• Smith's Food & Drug (1.7 miles)
• Dan's Fresh Market (1.9 miles)
• Harmons (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Cathedral of the Madeleine (1.7 miles)
• Salt Lake Tabernacle (2.3 miles)
• Conference Center (2.3 miles)
• LDS Foothill Stake Center (2.3 miles)
• Worldwide Gospel Church (3.5 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• Imax Theatre Clark Planetarium (2.7 miles)
• Megaplex 12 at The Gateway (2.7 miles)

Transportation

• UTA FrontRunner North Temple Station (2.9 miles)
• Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub Salt Lake Central (2.9 miles)
• TRAX Central Pointe (3.3 miles)
• TRAX Millcreek (4.6 miles)